
224,000 Americans Died From Poor Hospital Care from 2006 – 2008Saturday, October 17, 2009 - (Byron J. Richards, CCN) Comparing the best hospitals in the country to the national average finds that there is a 52% lower risk of dying at the top-rated hospitals. When comparing the best to the worst that figure jumps to a 72% lower risk of dying in a top hospital. This discrepancy in care quality has been documented for the past decade and is not improving. We have 74,000 needless deaths a year due to inept care. Maybe health care reform should start in the hospitals. Poor Flexibility is a Sign of Stiff ArteriesFriday, October 16, 2009 - (Byron J. Richards, CCN) If you are over 40 and have trouble touching your toes it is a likely sign that your arteries are getting stiff in direct proportion to your lack of flexibility. This is another low tech test, like putting a tape measure around your stomach, which is also predictive of hardening arteries. Leptin Problems Linked to Thyroid CancerThursday, October 15, 2009 - (Byron J. Richards, CCN) When a person gains weight it is typical that leptin levels rise too high in the blood and do not get into the brain – a problem called leptin resistance that is a key force behind overeating and becoming overweight. For the first time researchers show that excessive leptin in the blood upregulates leptin receptors on thyroid cancer cells causing them to become aggressive thyroid cancer. Neurontin and Lyrica are a Death Sentence for New Brain SynapsesWednesday, October 14, 2009 - (Byron J. Richards, CCN) Neurontin and its newer more potent version, Lyrica, are widely used for off-label indications that are an outright flagrant danger to the public. These blockbuster drugs were approved for use even though the FDA had no idea what they actually did in the brain. A shocking new study shows that they block the ability of new brain synapses from forming, drastically reducing the potential for rejuvenating brain plasticity – meaning that these drugs will cause brain decline faster than any substance known to mankind. Breast Cancer Linked to Low Vitamin DWednesday, October 14, 2009 - (Byron J. Richards, CCN) Vitamin D helps regulate so many genes that a deficiency has multiple and significant adverse effects, including increasing the risk for breast cancer. Researchers are now recommending that every woman with breast cancer be given large doses of vitamin D. Yes, it’s Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Racing for a cure may not be as important as spending some time in the sun. Can Vitamin D Help Prevent H1N1 Swine Flu from Spreading?Tuesday, October 13, 2009 - (Byron J. Richards, CCN) It seems simple enough to understand. A well person contracts swine flu from a sick person, who, once sick, passes it along to another. In the case of H1N1 swine flu, most of the population is not familiar with the virus, thus it has the potential to readily spread from sick to well. Sick people are supposed to quarantine themselves to prevent transmission. Everyone else is supposed to get a vaccine. One small problem – what if the sick people aren’t really the ones spreading the infection? At first glance that sounds preposterous. A second look may cause you to pause and ponder. Beta Glucan’s Versatile Immune Modulating PropertiesMonday, October 12, 2009 - (Byron J. Richards, CCN) The Maitake mushroom (Grifola frondosa) is well regarded as a potent immune support compound. The primary active component is beta glucan, otherwise known as the D fraction. Beta glucan is also highly concentrated in oat fiber, which is also documented as an immune support compound. This brief review discusses the value of beta glucan as part of a natural immune support program. The Broad Immune Support Actions of Olive Leaf ExtractSunday, October 11, 2009 - (Byron J. Richards, CCN) Olive leaf extract has gained wide attention for its broad immune support characteristics. It has demonstrated the ability to help with various bacteria, Candida albicans, and viral infection. Coenzyme Q10 – An Energizing Immune Support NutrientSaturday, October 10, 2009 - (Byron J. Richards, CCN) Coenzyme Q10 is required for any cell in your body to produce energy, helping to finish the final steps of ATP synthesis (ATP is cellular energy). Your immune system requires a tremendous amount of ATP to aggressively mount a defense against any invader. Your body cannot substitute something else for Q10. This means that if you don’t have enough Q10, then your energy production and an efficient immune response will be reduced accordingly. Which Whey to GoFriday, October 09, 2009 - (Byron J. Richards, CCN) In the world of dietary supplements and functional foods there are many choices in terms of product quality, and whey protein is no exception. This is especially true when a used-car sales pitch is used in an effort to make products look and sound far better than what is actually under the hood. While consumers should expect this from network marketing companies they are often taken aback when health professionals go out on a limb and push the envelope of truth. Gamma Tocotrienol Assists Bone StrengthThursday, October 08, 2009 - (Byron J. Richards, CCN) A new study shows that vitamin E, and in particular the form known as gamma tocotrienol, helps build stronger bones with better biomechanical strength. The Thyroid Jolt Time of YearThursday, October 08, 2009 - (Byron J. Richards, CCN) Many of us living in the Northern states have seen a significant drop in temperature over the past few weeks. Fluctuating fall temperatures are a jolt to your thyroid system. Watch for Sinus Stuffiness in the Fall Damp WeatherTuesday, October 06, 2009 - (Byron J. Richards, CCN) The past few weeks in much of the country has seen quite a lot of rain. Rain combined with autumn’s falling leaves poses a challenging immune system stressor for many people, as it is a perfect breeding ground for mold. This problem continues until there are two killing frosts. Noni as a Natural Immune BoosterTuesday, October 06, 2009 - (Byron J. Richards, CCN) Noni has been in use as a medicinal herb in various cultures around the world for several thousand years. Its traditional use relating to immunity includes combating bacterial, viral, fungal, and parasitic infections. It is used to help respiratory disorders, sore throat, gum infections, fever, headache, diarrhea, and indigestion. It is considered to have anti-inflammatory effects and is also a common remedy for joint pain. A Healthy Lymph System is Vital for Flu Fighting ImmunityMonday, October 05, 2009 - (Byron J. Richards, CCN) The healthy function of your lymphatic system is required for an optimal immune response. Millions of Americans struggle with a sluggish and stagnant lymph system, a clear immune system disadvantage. This is because your lymph system, in addition to its immune-related chores, is also in the trash removal business and the absorption and transport of fat business. The speed with which you mount an immune response can be drastically impaired by poor lymph function. It is worthwhile to understand how well your own lymph system is working. Exercise Tips for Fighting the Swine FluSunday, October 04, 2009 - (Byron J. Richards, CCN) Exercise is vital to conditioning your body to have an efficient immune response. Hundreds of studies on exercise and immunity have been conducted. In general, the more fit you are the better your immune system works. At the same time, higher amounts of exercise place increased demands on your immune system. Working out or performing significant exercise at the same time your body is trying to fight off the flu could make you more susceptible to getting sick. Thus, it is a good idea to understand exercise in the context of your immune system. Fighting an Infection Worsens Alzheimer’sSaturday, October 03, 2009 - (Byron J. Richards, CCN) Scientists now show that an acute inflammatory challenge, such as fighting an infection, can significantly worsen the cognitive status in an Alzheimer’s patient. The underlying message of this study is a major wake up call for all middle-aged Americans. The Colorful History of Colloidal Silver & Other Silver CompoundsFriday, October 02, 2009 - (Byron J. Richards, CCN) Colloidal silver is the product the FDA and many mainstream medical people love to hate. Listening to them you would think every person taking colloidal silver is going to turn gray with silver accumulation in their skin (argyria). Their worst nightmare is people taking colloidal silver to combat the H1N1 swine flu – the nightmare for them is that it might actually work. Since I am a health professional who has utilized colloidal silver in practice for more than 15 years with thousands of people, I’m more than happy to share some insights on the subject. Helping Glial Cells will Revolutionize Prevention & Treatment of Alzheimer’sThursday, October 01, 2009 - (Byron J. Richards, CCN) In the face of a baby boomer population certain to have an epidemic of cognitive decline and Alzheimer’s there is very good news on the cutting edge of science for those interested in being proactive on the topic. The rapid developments in our understanding of neurobiology are causing scientists to refocus their efforts on the healthy function of glial cells in order to maintain and restore cognitive health. Scientists Document How Coumadin Increases Disease RiskWednesday, September 30, 2009 - (Byron J. Richards, CCN) While doctors hand out Coumadin like candy, apparently because they have no idea how to get someone’s sticky blood to flow normally, patient’s livers were apparently not briefed on the strategy – an oversight that is likely to injure and speed the onset of age-associated disease. A new article in the prestigious American Journal of Clinical Nutrition reveals just how vital vitamin K function is to your health. New Insights on Addiction, Mood, Memory, and Cognitive AbilityTuesday, September 29, 2009 - (Byron J. Richards, CCN) An array of new science is painting not only a clear picture of addiction but of how the same brain issues relate to poor memory, poor mood, and poor cognitive function. While we can think of addiction in terms of a clinical problem like drug or alcohol abuse, the same issues are involved with eating and other behavior patterns that are either a waste of your time (like too much web surfing or video games) or detrimental to your life (like gambling or using credit cards beyond your means). One common thread is a lack of BDNF. ADHD Involves Disturbed Reward Brain CircuitryMonday, September 28, 2009 - (Byron J. Richards, CCN) There are a number of brain-related issues involved with the attention deficit problem. New research published in the Journal of the American Medical Association shows that one of the problems is a lack of dopamine. Dopamine is needed for motivation and a sense of reward for attaining something. Dopamine is behind “brain drive” that engages a person consistently towards a goal. BDNF at the Crossroads of Brain Function & MetabolismSunday, September 27, 2009 - (Byron J. Richards, CCN) Brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is vital to the growth of new nerve cells, the plasticity of brain connections that are vital to brain health, and plays an important role in learning and memory. New research is now showing that it is a vital metabolic compound, lacking in individuals who are overweight and especially in those with type II diabetes. Antioxidants Boost Brain FunctionSaturday, September 26, 2009 - (Byron J. Richards, CCN) Antioxidants are a form of savings account within your brain that enables your brain not only to tolerate stress but to learn. A new study shows that a diet rich in fruits and vegetables results in higher levels of antioxidants and better cognitive performance during aging. The principle of adequate antioxidants to support learning and cognitive function applies to any person of any age. Glial Cell Function Vital for LearningFriday, September 25, 2009 - (Byron J. Richards, CCN) A major breakthrough in our understanding of nerve cell function opens the door for strategies to improve learning. Central to the issue is the function of the glial cells within your brain (also called astrocytes). For the very first time bi-directional communication between glial cells and nerve transmitting cells has been identified, showing how glial cells regulate learning. This discovery is of extreme importance to everyone. Easy Ways to Calculate Your Goal Weight and Maximum WeightThursday, September 24, 2009 - (Byron J. Richards, CCN) Calculating your Body Mass Index (BMI) is seldom done due to the complexity of the formula. Yet, it is important for people to have a good idea when extra weight is heading in the direction of disease risk. Researchers are now proposing a simple way for individuals to understand their “Maximum Weight Limit.” Vitamin B6 Lowers Heart Attack Risk in WomenWednesday, September 23, 2009 - (Byron J. Richards, CCN) Levels of the active coenzyme form of vitamin B6 (pyridoxal 5’ phosphate) were found to be inversely associated with the risk for a heart attack in women. DHA Improves Infant IntelligenceWednesday, September 23, 2009 - (Byron J. Richards, CCN) A controlled trial with DHA-fortified infant formula shows that DHA intake is likely to result in a more intelligent child. Scientists Use Grape Seed Extract in the War on CancerTuesday, September 22, 2009 - (Byron J. Richards, CCN) A review of the current science on grape seed extract and grapes by University of Colorado Cancer Center states, “Overall, completed studies from various scientific groups conclude that both grapes and grape-based products are excellent sources of various anticancer agents and their regular consumption should thus be beneficial to the general population.” Powerful Anti-Bacterial Properties of Oregano OilMonday, September 21, 2009 - (Byron J. Richards, CCN) Researchers at the United States Department of Agriculture have demonstrated that oregano oil has potent bacterial killing properties. They demonstrated that oregano consistently inhibited the growth of infectious E. Coli, Listeria monocytogenes, and Salmonella. Fatal Cases of Swine FluSunday, September 20, 2009 - (Byron J. Richards, CCN) The emerging picture of the new swine flu is one that is quite capable of infecting any person of any age, and may be especially problematic for pregnant women, women who have recently given birth, and overweight people. This data comes from the first collection of epidemiological data regarding who has died from severe H1N1 swine flu. Size of Abdominal Fat Cells Predicts Future Type II DiabetesSaturday, September 19, 2009 - (Byron J. Richards, CCN) New research spanning 35 years shows that women who had the largest size in their abdominal fat cells were twice as likely to develop Type II Diabetes later in life. The women were taking part in a Swedish study that included taking fat biopsies back in 1974-1975. Understanding the War in Your GutFriday, September 18, 2009 - (Byron J. Richards, CCN) A new study that documents how Salmonella food poisoning causes intense diarrhea illustrates the rather unbelievable nature of the war that can take place on the front lines of your digestive tract. Old and now rather stuffy explanations of immunity pit immune troops against foreign invaders, wherein bacteria were simply operating as individual entities and their infectious potential was in their numbers alone. We now know such bacteria talk to each other and form gangs. In the latest study it was shown that pathogenic bacteria directly signal human cells and try to confuse them so as to mount a more aggressive attack. Monolaurin Inhibits Food Pathogens, Blocks Viral ReplicationThursday, September 17, 2009 - (Byron J. Richards, CCN) Two new studies lend further support to decades of research showing that monolaurin is a potent immune support nutrient. One shows that monolaurin has a potent ability to knock out common and serious food pathogens. The other shows that monolaurin has unique and useful properties in helping to regulate viral replication. Elderly Muscle Rejuvenation is Possible, Likely to Help Flu ImmunityWednesday, September 16, 2009 - (Byron J. Richards, CCN) New research shows that elderly strength training at the rate of 20 minutes, three times per week can go along way to prevent muscle breakdown and restore circulation to muscles. This is especially important in the current flu season, as muscles are your primary reserves of protein that your immune system needs to build antibodies if you have to fight an infection. Vitamin C Corrects Lesions in Skin, Boosts RepairWednesday, September 16, 2009 - (Byron J. Richards, CCN) Vitamin C’s antioxidant properties are legendary, which is why the nutrient is often fraudulently attacked by researchers whose agenda is the dislike of natural health. New scientific tools are proving the absolute value of nutrition to assist health. It is often the case the nutrients do multiple things in addition to the well-recognized understanding of their basic function. The fact that vitamin C can repair DNA damage in skin is not a trivial new finding. Swine Flu Could Cause More Serious Lung InfectionsTuesday, September 15, 2009 - (Byron J. Richards, CCN) New research demonstrates that the swine flu (H1N1) has the ability to bind deeper into the lungs than regular seasonal flu, identifying a keep mechanism that may make this flu a significant problem for many people. The New Flu Vaccine Hype is Over-RatedMonday, September 14, 2009 - (Byron J. Richards, CCN) The news media and our federal government are trumpeting the early release of data from H1N1 swine flu vaccine trials. The headlines would have you believe that the new vaccine is a major success. In some ways it is and in other ways it isn’t. Using Nutrition to Help Perceive and Combat Swine FluSunday, September 13, 2009 - (Byron J. Richards, CCN) There is valid concern that the H1N1 swine flu will readily infect Americans this flu season, resulting in high numbers of swine flu cases around the country. Already the CDC is reporting significant swine flu symptoms and swine flu cases in all states. This is because this new version of the flu hasn’t been around any time recently, meaning that our immune systems don’t have a memory of it and prior training in dealing with it. This does not automatically mean this is a major problem. Your immune system is perfectly capable of mounting a highly effective response against any never-before-seen virus. This article explains how your immune system does this, what nutrients can help, what forms of stress handicap this functionality, and how to help prevent the cytokine storm that would be associated with a severe swine flu episode. Consistent Intake of Grape Seed Extract is Best for Your BrainSaturday, September 12, 2009 - (Byron J. Richards, CCN) A new study has demonstrated that consistent intake of grape seed extract is the best way to get it into your brain. The reason you want it in your brain is because it is a powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory nutrient (modulating the gene signal NF-kappaB). It is being widely studied for the prevention and treatment of cognitive decline and Alzheimer’s disease.
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